We’ve spoken about the Goqii system before — unlike the usual fitness bands that work independently, Goqii uses a combination of few things: the band (with a display, step + sleep tracking), the app (detailed logs of your activity, food, water), a live coach (to advise you, keep you motivated), social integration (motivation) and a Karma system (more motivation).

There was a recent refresh to everything — the service and the band. Primary changes to 2.0 include the new doctor consultation, lower subscription prices, an updated core with integrated USB charger, larger OLED display, smartphone notifications, better battery life (up to 14 days), a health locker (cloud based storage to store health/medical records) and a new band that wears just like a regular watch (almost zero chance of it getting undone, unlike before). The older core will not be compatible with new bands and vice versa.

Let’s delve deeper into these features. Goqii doctor is a qualified MBBS/MD doctor that you can consult through the platform, just like you contact your coach. Obviously, your interactions with the doctor will not be as frequent as with the coach so you have to book a consultation over the phone. They’re quick to point out that this is not for emergency medical situations — rather for the time when you need medical advice on lifestyle changes that the coach may not be qualified to provide. They have also tied up with a diagnostics lab and you can book tests via the app (this feature is not available in all locations).

The new core has a built in USB port that cleverly hides inside the silicon band. This eliminates the need to carry the separate charger around. The display is slightly larger & wider than before and the core itself is larger, with a larger battery. To charge the core, you only need to remove it from the silicon band and find a USB port. Battery life has been improved to about 10 to 14 days (if you don’t use notifications) and this variation depends on the number of times a day you tap the band to wake up the display.

The notifications could be useful but if you’re already using a smartwatch, you can disable them. They’re not ‘complete’ notifications— just a vibration and text that shows you which app is trying to get your attention. You shouldn’t think of this as a smartwatch replacement.

The price mentioned is what you pay upfront for the band, coach & doctor services. You will typically get substantial discounts towards the end of your term — needless to say, you won’t have to pay the full amount again. And like before, if you choose not to renew, you can keep your band and continue to use it as a step/sleep tracker. The Goqii system works really well — so unless you need a heart rate sensor or GPS for precise tracking, Goqii 2.0 should be near the top of your list.